Enhancing the accessibility of your home might be something you’re considering, whether for yourself or a loved one. Not only do home lifts provide a practical mobility solution, but they can also increase your property’s value by up to 25%, making them an increasingly popular renovation choice in recent years. More and more homeowners are opting for domestic lifts – not just for convenience and accessibility, but also as a smart long-term investment.
Mobility challenges, whether due to ageing, disability, or temporary injury, can make everyday tasks like climbing the stairs difficult. A home lift ensures that every member of the household, including those using wheelchairs or walking aids, can move between floors with ease. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right home lift, from different types and key features to expert tips for long-term maintenance.
What Are the Key Benefits of Installing a Home Lift?
Increased Accessibility
A home lift provides an easier resolution to move between floors, making it ideal for individuals with limited mobility, elderly residents, or families with young children. Unlike stairlifts, which can feel restrictive and intrusive, a platform lift allows for effortless movement with enough space for a wheelchair or multiple users.
Future-Proofing Your Home
As more homeowners plan for the future, having a home lift means you can stay in your home longer, avoiding the need to relocate due to mobility issues as you age. This foresight can be especially valuable in multi-storey homes, ensuring comfort and accessibility for years to come.
Improved Property Value
Properties with home lifts are more attractive to buyers looking for accessible homes. Many buyers now prioritise residences with built-in accessibility features, making a home lift a worthwhile investment if you’re looking to sell in the future
Enhanced Safety & Independence
Falls on stairs are a leading cause of injuries in the home, with a fall happening every 90 seconds in the UK. A lift significantly reduces this risk by providing a secure way to move between floors. Plus, it allows individuals to remain independent in their homes for longer.
How Safe Are Home Lifts?
Modern home lifts come equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, ensuring it is a top priority for those looking for peace of mind. Some of the key safety features include:
- Emergency lighting – Ensures visibility during a power outage.
- Hand crank manual lowering system – Allows the lift to be manually lowered in case of an emergency.
- Emergency alarm & interlock system – Ensures doors only open at a safe landing position.
- Backup power supply – Keeps the lift operational even during a power cut.
- Auto-dialler or emergency phone – Allows immediate contact in case assistance is needed.
All Alliance Platform Lifts are designed to meet the latest British safety regulations, ensuring the highest levels of security for homeowners. From installation to servicing, every feature is checked for quality and reliability.
Maintenance & Servicing Tips
To keep your home lift in top condition, regular servicing needs to be taken into consideration. It’s recommended to schedule at least one service per year, or bi-annual servicing for frequent use. Alliance offers complete aftercare packages to keep your lift running smoothly.
Myths vs. Facts Around Home Lift Safety
- Myth: Home lifts are dangerous.
- Fact: Home lifts include multiple safety features, making them as safe – if not safer – than commercial lifts.
- Myth: You can get stuck in a home lift.
- Fact: Alliance lifts have battery-powered emergency lowering, ensuring you are never stranded.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Home Lift
Selecting the right home lift requires thorough planning to ensure it meets your specific mobility, space, and aesthetic needs. Each lift design offers distinct advantages, from maximising available space to accommodating higher weight capacities. Factors such as the structural layout of your home, the intended users, and long-term accessibility requirements must all be carefully evaluated. By exploring all available options, including through-floor, platform, and cabin-style lifts, you can make an informed decision to find what works for you.
Space and Layout
Home lifts are designed to fit into compact spaces, requiring as little as one square metre. A site assessment can determine the best placement for your lift.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacities vary depending on the model, with some supporting up to 1,500kg. Consider who will be using the lift and any heavy items you may need to transport.
Vertical platform lifts can reach heights of up to 14.5m. Consider how many floors your home has and whether a through-floor or shaft-based lift would be best.
Style Preferences
Alliance offers both discreet platform lifts and statement designs with luxury finishes. Choose from an extensive selection of shaft materials, flooring, and interior customisations to match your home’s aesthetics.
Types of Home Lifts Available
Platform Lifts
Designed for versatility, platform lifts provide accessibility without requiring significant structural alterations. They are ideal for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility challenges, allowing for smooth movement between floors with minimal disruption.
Cabin-Style Lifts
Cabin-style lifts offer the experience of a traditional passenger lift in a home setting. Fully enclosed, they provide a safe, stylish, and private way to navigate multi-storey properties effortlessly.
Glass Lifts
Glass lifts have a modern appearance, offering full visibility and a luxurious aesthetic. With transparent panels, they create a sense of openness that enhances the overall design of a modern home.
Design, Finishes & Bespoke Options
Alliance offers fully customisable home lifts, allowing you to personalise every detail to your preferences. Choose from an extensive range of colour palettes, premium finishes, and materials that complement your interior design. Select from various door types, control panels, and button configurations to enhance both function and aesthetics.
We even offer luxury flooring options such as hardwood, marble, or high-end vinyl for a refined look on your platform lift design. Our lifts are designed to integrate perfectly into your home’s existing design, ensuring a sophisticated and cohesive appearance.
Planning & Installation Process
A detailed site survey is essential to determine the ideal lift model and its optimal placement within your home. Our experts assess structural factors, available space, and user requirements to recommend the most suitable solution. Installation typically takes just a few days, depending on project complexity, with minimal disruption to your home. Certain lift installations may require building approval, but Alliance manages all necessary applications, ensuring compliance with regulations and a stress-free process from start to finish.
Why Choose Alliance for Your Home Lift?
Alliance designs and installs bespoke home lifts engineered for unified integration into your home’s architecture. With deep industry expertise, we develop solutions that prioritise accessibility without compromise. Every lift is precision-crafted to meet specific spatial and functional requirements, ensuring smooth operation and long-term durability. Our service extends beyond installation, with a nationwide network of 24/7 engineers providing expert maintenance and rapid support to keep your lift running flawlessly.
Contact us today to speak with a lift specialist and explore the best home lift options for your property.
